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Do Female Praying Mantises Really Bite Off The Heads Of Males After Mating?

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Excited for the August 21 eclipse? Visit our Eclipse 2017 page to explore the science, history, and myths of the event. The Curiosity team will be viewing the eclipse alongside NASA in Carbondale, Illinois. Follow us on Facebook for live videos, trivia, and interviews on the big day.

We've all heard it: female praying mantises bite of their partner's head after mating. Although praying mantis female do indeed behead mates, it is estimated to happen only 30% of the time in the wild. Learn more about the mantis—including the fact they have five eyes—with the funny and informative video below.